Understanding Strict Libertarianism: A Comprehensive Guide

Libertarianism, a political philosophy emphasizing individual freedom and minimal government intervention, can often be misunderstood. One common misconception is that libertarianism is a flexible or diverse movement. In fact, it is an absolute concept. You are either a libertarian, adhering to the tenets of freedom and non-interference, or you are not. This article aims to clarify the principles of strict libertarianism and distinguish it from other forms of libertarianism.

What is Strict Libertarianism?

Strict libertarianism is an unyielding adherence to the belief that voluntary transactions and peaceful coexistence between individuals are the foundation for a just and harmonious society. Every strict libertarian maintains that it is an unlawful taking of your property and an abuse of government power to prevent you from crapping in your neighbor’s water supply, and that it is a legitimate exercise of authority for a just society to prevent such an act.

The core of strict libertarianism lies in the protection of individual liberty, property rights, and the non-aggression principle. This includes the right to engage in any voluntary transactions, the right to own and use resources as one sees fit, and the right to defend those resources from invasion by others. A strict libertarian believes that government should only exist to enforce the non-aggression principle, ensuring that individuals can live freely without fear of aggression from others or the state itself.

Distinguishing Features of Strict Libertarianism

For a strict libertarian, the concept of liberty is absolute. This means that any form of state intervention, no matter how well-intentioned, is seen as a violation of individual rights. For example, a strict libertarian would vehemently oppose laws that prevent someone from crapping in their own home, even if that action somehow involves their neighbor. Similarly, the right to choose to abort is seen by some strict libertarians as a violation of life and property rights, thus they would oppose such a right.

While certain libertarians may support a limited state to provide public goods or to prevent private tragedy (like in airport security), a strict libertarian view is that the state should have no role in such areas. Instead, they advocate for entirely private solutions to the challenges that public goods or tragedies present.

Principles and Application

Strict libertarianism is not about endorsing every individual's actions or desires, but rather about ensuring that individuals have the freedom to live their lives as they choose, as long as they do not harm others. This can lead to a variety of views on specific issues:

Drug Legalization

Me: I believe that marijuana should be legal, but not every drug.
Strict Libertarian: Every drug should be legal.

While I recognize the potential harm of certain drugs and the negative impacts of the criminal justice system, strict libertarians hold the view that personal autonomy should prevail over regulatory control.

Civil Unions and Marriage

Me: I support marriage, whether between a man and a woman or between homosexual couples. It is none of my business and it should not be the government’s business. Let them be.
Strict Libertarian: The same view as I have, but with polygamy.

Strict libertarians take this view to its logical conclusion, extending the principle of freedom to include the rights of individuals to form multiple marriages if they choose to do so.

Airport Security

Me: Some libertarians may disagree with me, but I believe there should be airport security.
Strict Libertarian: I have met strict libertarians who believe that individual rights and property, including one’s own person, are inviolable. They would argue that any form of security screening is an unnecessary and invasive government intervention.

The strict libertarian perspective emphasizes the need for voluntary and consensual measures to ensure safety, rather than state-imposed measures that intrude on personal freedoms.

Conclusion

Strict libertarianism is a philosophy that demands an unyielding commitment to the principles of freedom, property rights, and the non-aggression principle. It is a stringent and uncompromising perspective that challenges the notion that any form of state interference, no matter how well-intentioned, is acceptable. Understanding strict libertarianism is crucial for anyone seeking to navigate the complexities of political philosophy and social debate.